Fish

Oligotrophic Lake Superior supports fewer reproducing fish species (51) and produces fewer fish per surface area than the other Great Lakes. However, Lake Superior has bragging rights when it comes to fish because it supports a robust suite of native species.

Commercial and recreational fisheries are important on Lake Superior. The health of Lake Superior's fishery has improved tremendously during the last 40 years. For example, the rehabilitation of naturally reproducing lake trout populations has eliminated the need to stock them in many areas. Problems remain for the fishery and the ecosystem, however, like the intentional and unintentional introductions of non-native fish species, habitat destruction, development, and pollution.

Sea Grant strives to improve our knowledge of Lake Superior fisheries by funding research and conducting outreach to understand:

From flukes to infections, fish are subject to some nasty things; fortunately, that does not need to affect your love of eating fish. Here are some things you can do to avoid parasites during your next fishy meal.

Commercial fishing has been a cultural tradition and the livelihood for many along Minnesota's north shore of Lake Superior since the late 1800s, but the industry almost didn't survive. Today, Minnesota once again has a sustainable industry.